March 2024

MARCH 2024

WELCOME!

Welcome to the Elbow Tree Cooperative monthly newsletter. We are thrilled to launch this initiative to keep you updated on all the exciting developments, events, and news within our SJCFR community. This newsletter aims to strengthen our connection and keep the team informed by providing you with valuable insights, updates, and exclusive content directly to your inbox every month.
​
Here is some of what you can expect from our newsletters:

• Latest News within the Co-Op and within SJCFR
• Upcoming Community Events 
• Summary of Peer Support Group Meetings
• Summary and Information From SJCFR Trainings 
• Research aimed to help clinicians offer the most informed and up-to-date care for the SJCFR community we serve 
• Department Training Videos 
• A Monthly Interview with a Fire Rescue Personal, Spouse, Retiree, Cadet, or Family Member. 
• Data from Past Month 
• Sign up options for contact hour opportunities 
• Information About Upcoming Group Sessions

---

So Long Airtable and OhMD!

As many of you have read in the email from Hayne, we are transitioning away from Airtable (praise!) to a new custom Google Sheet. In this Google Sheet you will be able to submit your service hours for the Cooperative, similar to how you did in Airtable expect you will be able to view your past submissions to better keep track of your hours. As stated by Hayne, our goal is to help you be even more accurate and efficient in your monthly reporting which will help speed up the invoicing process with the county, resulting in us getting paid sooner. It's crucial to diligently track your hours to avoid the risk of late submissions. Any delays could result in your submissions being held until the next invoice cycle or could potentially delay payment for the entire team. If you have any questions about this transition please reference the emails Hayne has sent out. 
​
We are also transitioning away from OhMD due to persistent glitches and issues that have been hindering our ability to communicate in a timely and effective manner. Moving forward, we will be utilizing Google Chat, accessible through your Elbow Tree Cooperative Gmail account. Google Chat is HIPAA compliant and already integrated into our business account, ensuring an ethical and effortless transition. Please take the time to download and set up the Google Chat app to ensure you stay informed and connected without missing any critical information or communication.

Click the button below titled "Contractor Log In" to access the information you need to access your unique web link to your ETCO Time Submission spreadsheet for making monthly submissions. Password is Turn1Here2

contractor log in

---

SJCFR NEWS: Advocate and Protect 

“Knowing that we had between 50 or 60 people there that day, knowing that they are waiting every day for a sign of something to pop up is something we have to act on. We have to do something about this… We have to continue to fight for them and to protect them."
Sarah Arnold, Board Chair of District 2

During the January 2024 Legislative session, leaders from St. Johns County met with the Department of Financial Services to propose expanding presumptive disability coverage to provide the necessary treatment and medical care to maintain quality of life for fire rescue personnel inflicted by neurodegenerative diseases, which studies suggest may be linked to their exposure to toxic chemicals on duty.

During the January 2024 Legislative session, leaders from St. Johns County met with the Department of Financial Services to propose expanding presumptive disability coverage to provide the necessary treatment and medical care to maintain quality of life for fire rescue personnel inflicted by neurodegenerative diseases, which studies suggest may be linked to their exposure to toxic chemicals on duty.

There has been a significant increase in industrial fires since 2021, specifically a notable 129% increase, potentially exposing firefighters to hazardous chemicals. Recent studies suggest that firefighters regularly exposed to toxic chemicals may have a higher risk of developing Parkinson’s disease and other neurological disorders. St. Johns County is seeking state support to conduct comprehensive research to better understand the correlation between toxic exposure and neurological deficits among firefighters.
​
The push for this initiative stems from a gas station explosion in St. Augustine in 2011, where firefighters may have been exposed to harmful chemicals. Sarah Arnold, Board Chair of District 2, emphasized the importance of taking action to support firefighters facing potential long-term health effects and to continue advocating for their protection, “Knowing that we had between 50 or 60 people there that day, knowing that they are waiting every day for a sign of something to pop up is something we have to act on. We have to do something about this… We have to continue to fight for them and to protect them.”

---

Elbow Tree Cooperative Data:

Since the Elbow Tree Cooperative started in October 2023 we have seen a steady increase in numbers showing that the co-op is making a difference in the lives of St. John’s County fire rescue personnel and families. On average, from October 2023 through January 2024 we have had 62.5 unique monthly utilizers, totaling to 615 session hours in all. As we progress and move forward with the ETCO Time Submission Database we will be able to see more detailed information on the utilization of the cooperative and the lives it is impacting. Keep it up team!

October 2023: 141 session hours
November 2023: 143 session hours
December 2023: 143 session hours
January 2024: 188 session hours

Total: 615 session hours

---

Taking Care of Our Own: A Guide for Preparing for a Line of Duty Death

We knew we would not survive another line of duty death.

On February 16th, Hayne and several Co-Op clinicians dedicated the day to training alongside Fire Rescue personnel, chaplains, and peer support members from the Florida and Georgia region, with the aim of enhancing their capabilities in handling line of duty deaths (LODD). Sponsored by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, the training was crafted to deepen understanding and bolster support for both family members and fire service survivors following a LODD. Central to the training was the emphasis on establishing a comprehensive plan to ensure that every step is executed with compassion and professionalism.
​
While we may never anticipate such a tragic event happening to one of our own, statistics reveal a stark reality: on average, a firefighter loses their life in the line of duty every three days. These figures, albeit alarming, underscore the critical need for preparedness. The Fire Chief  from Asheville, NC, delivered an impactful presentation recounting a LODD experience within their department. Reflecting on the loss of Captain Bowen, hailed as "the best of the best," the Chief recounted the events of July 28th when a routine fire alarm escalated into a tragic incident.

Captain Bowen, renowned for his expertise and quick thinking, found himself confronting unforeseen challenges during a fire in a 7-story medical office building. Despite previous false alarms, this fire was deliberately set, with compromised systems exacerbating the situation. Tragically, Captain Bowen, while engaged in rescue operations, became overwhelmed by smoke, ultimately succumbing to cardiac arrest. The Chief used this heartbreaking narrative to highlight both the successes and shortcomings in their department's response to the LODD, stressing the imperative of preparedness. 
Subsequent to Captain Bowen's loss, the department grappled with internal strife and behavioral challenges stemming from unpreparedness, manifesting in incidents of substance abuse, interpersonal conflicts, and legal troubles. Recognizing the gravity of their situation, the Chief emphasized the urgent need for readiness to prevent further tragedy. He states, “we knew we would not survive another line of duty death.” 
The training session delved into a systematic approach to prepare fire departments for LODD scenarios, emphasizing proactive measures for notification, family support, and post-loss healing for department members. As clinicians, it is necessary to familiarize ourselves with the department's protocols, comprehend the multifaceted impacts of a LODD, and tailor support accordingly to address emotional, logistical, and resource needs.
Key recommendations from the training included

• maintaining updated emergency contact information
  
• establishing a dedicated family support team with clearly defined roles
  
• appointing a family liaison
  
• implementing media engagement guidelines
  
• coordinating with relevant agencies and hospitals.

In conclusion, the training underscored the importance of preparedness and collaboration in navigating the aftermath of a LODD, serving as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by firefighters and the collective responsibility to support those who serve.

---

BOOK OF THE MONTH

Learn More

Mental Health Mayday: A Firefighter's Survival Guide from Recruit through Retirement by Gregg Bagdade MA, LPC, NCC

From their swearing-in all to the way until retirement, even the most hardened firefighters can be affected by mental health concerns. A fascinating look behind the scenes of the career of a firefighter, this book explores the why and explains the how to better prepare these individuals for a healthy and productive career and life, based on the author's personal experience as a counselor, who also has 27 years as a firefighter and paramedic. Firefighters can learn how to acknowledge their mental health issues, such as PTSD, addiction, or anger issues while developing strategies to address these concerns with techniques and solutions throughout their career. This powerful book is part memoir and part call to action.

---